EDS 06 0017 Customer Installation Earthing Design PDF

Document Number: EDS 06-0017
Date: 22/08/2012
ENGINEERING DESIGN STANDARD
EDS 06-0017
CUSTOMER INSTALLATION EARTHING DESIGN

Network(s):
EPN, LPN, SPN
Summary:
This standard provides guidance on the earthing of customer LV and HV

installations.
Originator:
Stephen Tucker
Date:
22/08/2012
Approved By:
Barry Hatton
Approved Date:
23/04/2012
Review Date:
22/04/2015
This document forms part of the Companys Integrated Business System and its requirements are mandatory throughout UK
Power Networks. Departure from these requirements may only be taken with the written approval of the Director of Asset
Management. If you have any queries about this document please contact the originator of the current issue.
Document History
(The document history notes below are intended as a guide only and may not cover all of the changes. If you wish to make use
of this document it should be read in full.)
Version
Date
Details
Originator
1.0
31/03/2008
Original
Stephen Tucker/
Rob Weller
2.0
25/05/2011
Completely rewritten to provide a more

consistent and practical approach and separated
from LV network design
Stephen Tucker
2.1
03/08/2011
Reclassification of document from Earthing

Design Manual Section 7
Stephen Tucker
3.0
01/02/2012
Street furniture, railway installations and multiple

occupancy building sections updated
Stephen Tucker
3.1
22/08/2012
Minor updates to ensure consistency with other

standards and new PME label (130) added to
Section 5.5. Document reviewed for publishing
on G81 website
Stephen Tucker
THIS IS AN UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT, THE READER MUST CONFIRM ITS VALIDITY BEFORE USE
Version: 3.1
Customer Installation Earthing Design

Version: 3.1
Date: 22/08/2012
Contents
1
Introduction ................................................................................................................5
Scope ..........................................................................................................................5
References..................................................................................................................6
Definitions...................................................................................................................8
Customer LV Installations.......................................................................................12
5.1
Design Criteria .......................................................................................................... 12
5.2
Earth Terminal........................................................................................................... 12
5.3
Special Situations...................................................................................................... 13
5.4
Bonding Requirements.............................................................................................. 14
5.5
Warning Labels ......................................................................................................... 15
Earth Fault Loop Impedance ...................................................................................17
Special Situations ....................................................................................................17
7.1
Construction and Demolition Sites ............................................................................ 17
7.1.1
Background ............................................................................................................... 18
7.1.2
Temporary Supplies .................................................................................................. 18
7.1.3
Transition to a Permanent Supply............................................................................. 20
7.2
Mines and Quarries................................................................................................... 21
7.3
Railway Installations.................................................................................................. 21
7.3.1
General ..................................................................................................................... 21
7.3.2
LV Supplies at Traction Supply Points ...................................................................... 21
7.3.3
LV Supplies for Sites with both AC and DC Traction Systems.................................. 22
7.3.4
LV Supplies Associated with AC Traction Systems at Locations other than

Traction Supply Points .............................................................................................. 22
7.3.5
LV Supplies Associated with DC Traction Systems .................................................. 23
7.3.6
Other Electrified Systems.......................................................................................... 24
7.3.7
Assessment Process................................................................................................. 24
7.4
Farms and Horticultural Premises ............................................................................. 25
7.5
Swimming Pools........................................................................................................ 25
7.6
Sports Pavilions ........................................................................................................ 25
7.7
Street Lighting and Street Furniture .......................................................................... 26
7.7.1
Street Lighting and Road Signs (up to 500W)........................................................... 26
7.7.2
Street Furniture (not covered by 7.7.1) ..................................................................... 27
7.8
Multiple Occupancy Buildings ................................................................................... 30
7.8.1
Overview ................................................................................................................... 30
7.8.2
New Building Design Single Intake and Single Service ......................................... 31
7.8.3
New Building Design Multiple Intakes and One Service ........................................ 32
UK Power Networks 2012 All rights reserved
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7.8.4
Multiple Services to a Single Customer or Building................................................... 34
7.8.5
Existing Buildings ...................................................................................................... 35
7.8.6
End-of-main Earth Electrode..................................................................................... 35
7.9
Metal-clad Buildings .................................................................................................. 35
7.10
Conversion of Older Properties into Flats ................................................................. 35
7.11
Cathodic Protection Installations............................................................................... 35
7.12
Small Radio Stations Requiring a Functional Earth ............................................... 36
7.13
Mobile Phone Masts.................................................................................................. 36
7.14
Mobile Phone Base Stations and Masts Associated with Substations...................... 36
7.14.1 MPBS and Masts Adjacent to a COLD Secondary Substation ................................. 37

7.14.2 MPBS and Masts Adjacent to a HOT Secondary Substation/Pole-mounted Site ..... 37
7.14.3 MPBS and Masts within a Secondary Substation ..................................................... 38
7.14.4 Mobile Phone Base Stations Associated with Transmission Towers ........................ 38
7.15
Lightning Protection Systems.................................................................................... 38
7.16
LV Generators........................................................................................................... 38
7.17
HOT Sites.................................................................................................................. 39
7.18
Inset Networks .......................................................................................................... 39
Customer HV Installations ......................................................................................39
8.1
HV Supplies and Associated Substations ................................................................. 39
8.2
HV/LV Supplies to Same Customer or Building ........................................................ 40
Appendix A Legislation ....................................................................................................41

Appendix B Earthing Systems.........................................................................................42
B.1
IEC Standard for the Naming of Earthing Systems ................................................... 42
B.2
BS 7671 Definitions................................................................................................... 42
B.3
TN-S (Terra-Neutral Separated) ............................................................................... 43
B.4
TN-C-S (Terra-Neutral-Combined-Separated) .......................................................... 43
B.5
TT (Terra-Terra) ........................................................................................................ 45
Appendix C Railways........................................................................................................46
C.1
Operators of AC Electrified Traction Systems in the UK ........................................... 46
C.2
DC Electrified Traction Systems in the UK................................................................ 46
Appendix D Railway PME Application Form ..................................................................47

Appendix E Railway PME Assessment Form and Flowchart........................................47
Appendix F Neutral Current Diversion............................................................................48
F.1
Broken Neutral .......................................................................................................... 48
F.2
Unbalanced Loads .................................................................................................... 48
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Figures
Figure 1 Temporary Building Supply with a TT Earthing System .......................................18
Figure 2 TN-S Earth from a Dedicated Transformer ...........................................................19
Figure 3 TN-S Earth from an Isolating Transformer............................................................20
Figure 4 Direct Bonding for Equipment in Contact with the Traction Return Circuit ...........23
Figure 5 Indirect Bonding for Equipment not in Contact with the Traction Return Circuit. ..23
Figure 6 Examples of Street Lighting Earth Electrode Positions ........................................26
Figure 7 Metallic Pillar with a Grading Earth Electrode.......................................................29
Figure 8 Metallic Pillar Earthing at Network Rail Sites........................................................29
Figure 9 Multiple Occupancy Building Examples................................................................30
Figure 10 Single Intake Supply Arrangement New PME Service from Secondary
Substation ............................................................................................................31
Figure 11 Single Intake Supply Arrangement - New PME Service from PME Main ...........32
Figure 12 Multiple Intake Supply Arrangements .................................................................33
Figure 13 Multiple Services to a Single Customer or Building ............................................34
Figure 14 COLD Substation with Adjacent MPBS or Mast .................................................37
Figure 15 HOT Substation with Adjacent MPBS or Mast....................................................37
Figure 16 Substation with MPBS or Mast within the Boundary Fence................................38
Figure 17 TN-S Earthing System ........................................................................................43
Figure 18 PME Earthing System.........................................................................................44
Figure 19 PNB Earthing System .........................................................................................44
Figure 20 TT Earthing System ............................................................................................45
Figure 21 The Effect of a Broken Neutral when Multiple Services from a CNE Network
are provided to a Steel-framed Building ...............................................................48
Tables
Table 1 Special Situations Use of PME Earth Terminal...................................................13
Table 2 General Bonding Requirements.............................................................................14
Table 3 Warning Labels ......................................................................................................15
Table 4 Electric Vehicle Charging Point Earthing Options ..................................................27
Table 5 PME Maximum Load and Earth Electrode Resistance Values for Class I Street
Furniture ...............................................................................................................28
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Introduction
This standard (previously Section 7 of the Earthing Design Manual) provides guidance on
earthing of customer LV and HV installations. It brings together a common approach to
system design and operation and has been written to provide guidance to designers, meter
operators, developers and contractors. This standard supersedes all previous EPN, LPN and
SPN specific guidance on customer installation earthing including:
LPN E14-26 A guide to the connection of customers' electrical installations to

protective multiple earthed networks.
SPN PME Guide A guide to the application of Protective Multiple Earthing to
customers' electrical installations.
LV Earthing Design Manual version 1 and 2.
Earthing Design Manual Section 6B Construction Site Earthing Requirements.
Earthing Design Manual Section 7 Customer Installation Earthing Design.
This standard includes content from the original LV Earthing Design Manual and the
Construction Site Earthing Requirements document. It aims to build on these original
documents while providing a more consistent and practical approach. This document is
based on best practice from the latest draft of ENA ER G12/4 and also reflects the
requirements of BS 7671:2008 incorporating Amendment No 1: 2011 (IET Wiring
Regulations Seventeenth Edition).
Note: It is the Installer's responsibility to ensure that the earthing system is safe and
complies with the relevant regulations.
Significant changes from existing practice or previous documents:
The statutory requirements from the electricity, supply quality and continuity (ESQC)
regulations 2002 are included.
The guidance from the latest draft of ENA G12/4 is included.
The requirements from BS 7671:2008 (2011) are included where applicable.
References to relevant planning standards are included.
The criteria for where PME can and cannot be used have been clarified and, where
appropriate, alternative earthing systems suggested.
The supply arrangements for construction sites, railways (including London
Underground) have been revised and clarified.
The supply arrangements for multiple occupancy buildings have been revised in line with
ENA ER G87.
Bonding the earthing system to a customers lightning earthing system is now
recommended.
The guidance on street furniture and metallic pillars has been simplified and updated to
include electric vehicle charging points.
Customer HV and combined HV/LV supplies to same customer or building are included.
The range of warning labels has been updated.
Note for customers: For further information on any aspect of a project please contact the
nominated UK Power Networks' Connections Project Designer for the project.
Scope
This standard applies to the earthing used in customer installations.

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References
EDS 02-0030 LV supplies to Mobile Phone Base Stations Mounted on 132, 275 and 400kV
Towers (internal document only)
EDS 06-0001 Earthing Standard
EDS 06-0004 Earth Fault Loop Impedance Requirements (internal document only)
EDS 06-0014 Secondary Substation Earthing Design
EDS 06-0015 Pole-mounted Equipment Earthing Design
EDS 06-0016 LV Network Earthing Design
EDS 06-0017D Railway PME Application Form
EDS 06-0017E Railway PME Assessment Form (internal use only)
EDS 07-0009 Signs and Labels for Operational Sites
EDS 07-0102 Secondary Substation Civil Design Standards
EDS 08-0106 New Distributed Generation Connections
EDS 08-0113 Inset Networks
EDS 08-0118 Supplies to Multi Occupied Buildings (future issue)
EDS 08-0121 Supplies to HOT Sites and National Grid (future issue)
EDS 08-0129 Underground Services up to 100A
EDS 08-0133 Underground Services to Unmetered Street Furniture
EDS 08-0136 LV Network Design
EDS 08-0143 Large Customer LV Supplies (future issue)
The Distribution Code (http://www.dcode.org.uk/).
The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQC) 2002 as amended (2006)
BS 951:1999 Electrical Earthing. Clamps for Earthing and Bonding. Specification
BS 7671:2008 incorporating Amendment No 1: 2011 Requirements for Electrical
Installations (IEE Wiring Regulations Seventeenth Edition)
BS 7430 Code of Practice for Earthing
BS 7361 Cathodic Protection
BS 7375:1998 Distribution of Electricity on Construction and Building Sites
BS 7909 Code of Practice for Temporary Electrical Systems for Entertainment and Related
Purposes
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BS EN 50122-1 Railway Applications Fixed Installations Protective Provisions Relating

to Electrical Safety and Earthing
BS EN 50122-2 Railway Applications Fixed Installations Protective Provisions Against
the Effects of Stray Currents caused by DC Traction Systems
BS EN 61140 Protection Against Electric Shock. Common Aspects for Installation and
Equipment
BS EN 61851 Electric Vehicle Conductive Charging System. General Requirements
BS EN 61558-2-4 Safety of Power Transformers, Power Supply Units and Similar. Part
2.4: Particular Requirements for Isolating Transformers for General Use
BS EN 62305 Protection Against Lightning
ENA ER G12/4 Requirements for the Application of Protective Multiple Earthing to Lowvoltage Networks
ENA ER G87/1 Guidelines for the Provision of Low-voltage Connections to Multiple
Occupancy Buildings
ENA ER P24 AC Traction Supplies to British Rail
ENA ETR 123 Guidelines for Managing the Interfaces between Utility Services and Light
Rapid Transit Systems
Electrical safety in quarries http://www.hse.gov.uk/quarries/electricity.htm
Guidance for the Design, Construction, Modification and Maintenance of Petrol Filling
Stations published jointly by the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration
and the Institute of Petroleum
IET Code of Practice on Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation (available Spring
2012)
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Definitions 1
Caravan**
A trailer leisure accommodation vehicle, used for touring, designed to meet the requirements
for the construction and use of road vehicles (also see Motor Caravan).
Class I Equipment**
Equipment in which protection against electric shock does not rely on basic insulation only,
but which includes means for the connection of exposed-conductive-parts to a protective
conductor in the fixed wiring of the installation (refer to BS EN 61 140).
Class II Equipment**
Equipment in which protection against electric shock does not rely on basic insulation only,
but in which additional safety precautions such as supplementary insulation are provided,
there being no provision for the connection of exposed metalwork of the equipment to a
protective conductor, and no reliance upon precautions to be taken in the fixed wiring of the
installation (refer to BS EN 61140).
Combined Neutral and Earth (CNE)
A cable where the neutral and protective functions are combined in a single conductor.
Customer/Consumer
Any person who has responsibility for premises connected by agreement to distribution
networks owned by UK Power Networks.
Customer's Installation
The electrical apparatus under the control of the customer on the customers premises
together with the wiring connecting this apparatus to the supply terminals. A cut-out and
meter shall not form part of the customers installation (unless additional metering is supplied
by the customer, e.g. landlords supplies).
Customer's Premises
Any area or building occupied by the customer.
Distributing Main (or Main)
A low voltage electric line which connects a source of voltage to one or more service lines or
directly to a single customers installation.
Distribution Network Operator
See distributor.
Distributor*
A person who owns or operates a network, except for a network situated entirely offshore or
where that person is an operator of a network within the meaning of Part I of the Railways
Act 1993.
Earth Electrode
A metal rod, plate or strip conductor buried in the earth for the purpose of providing a
connection with the general mass of earth.
*Definitions taken from the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002.
**Definitions taken from BS 7671.
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Earth Loop Impedance (ELI) or Earth Fault Loop Impedance (EFLI)**

The impedance of the earth fault current loop starting and ending at the point of earth fault.
This impedance is denoted by the symbol Zs. The part of the earth fault loop impedance
which is external to the customer installation is denoted by the symbol Ze.
Earthing Systems (refer to Appendix B for further details)
Protective Multiple Earthing (PME)
PME is the most common form of earthing provided at new installations. A single conductor
for neutral and earthing functions is utilised and an earth terminal is provided at the
customers installation. The customers earthing may be connected to this terminal providing
the relevant requirements in BS 7671 are satisfied. In some cases it is not appropriate to
provide a PME earth terminal, either due to the nature of the distribution system or due to
the type of installation itself.
Cable Sheath Earth/Separate Continuous Earth Wire
Cable sheath earth and separate continuous earth wire arrangements are often found on
supplies to older properties, or occasionally where PME facilities are unavailable. Separate
conductors for neutral and earthing functions are utilised and an earth terminal is provided at
the customers installation. The customers earthing may be connected to this terminal
providing the relevant requirements in BS 7671 are satisfied.
Independent Local Earthing (TT)
Independent local or TT earthing is common in older installations and is also used where
PME cannot be provided. An earth terminal is not provided and the customer is responsible
for providing the earth electrode system (buried earth rods and conductor). Where local
earthing is employed the installation normally has to be protected by a residual current
device (RCD) in order to comply with BS 7671.
Earthing Terminal
The main earth terminal for an installation is usually located close to the incoming service. If
provided by UK Power Networks as part of a PME supply (TN-C-S) this will be directly
connected to the supply neutral conductor at the supply terminals.
Earth Potential Rise (EPR) or Rise of Earth Potential (ROEP)
EPR or ROEP is the potential (or voltage) rise that occurs on any metalwork due to the
current that flows through the ground when an earth fault occurs on the HV or LV network.
Electric Line*
Any line which is used or intended to be used for carrying electricity for any purpose and
includes, unless the context otherwise requires:
a) any equipment connected to any such line for the purpose of carrying electricity.
b) any wire, cable, tube, pipe, insulator or other similar thing (including its casing or coating)
which surrounds or supports, or is associated with, any such line.
Equipotential Bonding
An electrical connection maintaining various exposed conductive parts and extraneous
conductive parts at substantially the same potential (voltage).
Exhibition**
Event intended for the purpose of displaying and/or selling products etc, which can take
place in any suitable location, either a room, building or temporary structure.
Exposed Conductive Part
A conductive part (metalwork) of equipment which can be touched and which is not normally
live but which can become live when the basic insulation fails.
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Extraneous Conductive Part

A conductive part (metalwork) liable to introduce a potential (voltage), generally earth
potential, into the site but not forming part of the electrical installation, e.g. pipework,
scaffolding etc.
High-voltage (HV)
HV refers to any voltage above 1000V. The HV network typically refers to the 22kV, 20kV,
11kV or 6.6kV secondary distribution system.
Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO)
Any electricity distributor other than the ex-Public Electricity Suppliers (PES) distribution
network operators.
HOT Site
A HOT site is a grid, primary or secondary substation where the earth potential rise (EPR) is
greater than 430V or 650V (for high reliability circuits).
Low-voltage (LV)
LV refers to any voltage less than 1000V. The LV network refers to the 400V distribution
system.
Marina**
Facility for mooring and servicing of pleasure craft with fixed wharves, jetties, piers or
pontoon arrangements capable of berthing more than one pleasure craft.
Mobile/Transportable Unit**
A vehicle and/or mobile or transportable structure in which all or part of an electrical
installation is contained, which is provided with a temporary supply by means of, for
example, a plug and socket-outlet.
Motor Caravan**
Self-propelled leisure accommodation vehicle, used for touring, that meets the requirements
for the construction and use of road vehicles (also see Caravan).
Multi-service
Any electric line through which energy may be supplied to two, three or four adjacent
customers from any distributing main or substation.
Residual Current Device (RCD)
An RCD is a current operated device which measures the imbalance between phase and
neutral currents, and if this leakage current exceeds a preset level will operate to interrupt
the current flow. Typical domestic RCDs have a 30mA operating threshold.
Secondary Substation
An HV/LV substation typically transforming 22kV, 20kV, 11kV or 6.6kV to 400V.
Second Fix
All the work after the plastering required to complete a building, i.e. electrical fixtures
connected to the cables, sinks/baths connected to the pipes and doors fitted into
doorframes.
Separate Neutral and Earth (SNE)
A cable where the neutral and protective functions are provided by separate conductors.
Service Line* (or Service)
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Any electric line which either connects a street electrical fixture, or no more than four
customers installations in adjacent buildings, to a distributing main.
Service Termination
The cut-out where the service cable terminates.
Show**
Display or presentation in any suitable location, either a room, building or temporary
structure.
Stand**
Area or temporary structure used for display, marketing or sales.
Street Electrical Fixture*
A permanent fixture which is or is intended to be connected to a supply of electricity and
which is in, on, or is associated with a highway.
Supplier*
A person who contracts to supply electricity to consumers.
UK Power Networks (Operations) Ltd
UK Power Networks (Operations) Ltd consists of three electricity distribution networks as
follows:
Eastern Power Networks plc (EPN).

London Power Network plc (LPN).
South Eastern Power Network plc (SPN).
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Customer LV Installations
5.1
Design Criteria
The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 Regulation 24(4) (refer to
Appendix A) state that a distributor shall make an earthing terminal available when installing
a new low voltage connection or replacing an existing connection unless it is inappropriate
for reasons of safety.
An earth terminal can usually be provided if the following criteria are satisfied:
5.2
The installation complies with the industry guidance in ENA ER G12.

The installation complies with the equipotential bonding requirements of BS 7671 to
reduce any dangerous touch potentials to a minimum.
All services to a building with a steel-frame or shared metallic services are from a single
point on the combined neutral/earth network to eliminate neutral current diversion.
Earth Terminal
UK Power Networks' standard is to provide an earth terminal from a PME system wherever it
is appropriate. However there are situations where it may be inappropriate to offer an earth
terminal from a PME system (refer to Section 5.3 for further details) and one of the following
alternatives should be used:
TT earthing system.
TN-S earthing system where permitted in this document.
Note: The construction of the low voltage network to PME requirements and the provision
of an earth terminal from a PME system at the cut-out does not automatically imply that it is
appropriate or safe to release the earth terminal for use by the customer. This decision is
the responsibility of the meter operator acting on behalf of UK Power Networks.
All LV distribution networks shall be assumed to be PME even if they were originally
constructed using SNE cables. Therefore if an SNE service is provided to a customer, their
installation will still be subject to a possible rise in voltage in the event of a broken neutral on
the main and therefore all new installations shall meet the full requirements for equipotential
bonding specified in BS 7671.
The general bonding requirements detailed in Table 2 shall be applied and the appropriate
warning label(s) shall be installed as detailed in Table 3.
Generally only one service and earth terminal shall be provided to a customer or a building.
Multiple services to a single customer or building are not recommended practice since this
causes problems due to neutral current diversion (refer to Section 7.8.1) and uncertainty
when isolating the supplies. However in the rare circumstance that more than one service is
required, the requirements of Section 7.8.4 shall be satisfied.
For further information on LV network design and underground services up to 100A refer to
EDS 08-0136 and EDS 08-0129 respectively.
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5.3
Special Situations
Table 1 details where a PME earth terminal may not be provided. Unless specified
otherwise in this document these installations shall use a TT earthing system which shall
consist of an independent earth electrode and RCD protection. The TT earthing system shall
be segregated by a minimum of 2m from any PME earthing system. The earthing system
and protection for this type of installation is the responsibility of the customer.
Note: In these situations it is not acceptable to provide an SNE service from a PME main
as the earth conductor will still experience a rise in voltage in the in the event of a broken
neutral on the main.
Table 1 Special Situations Use of PME Earth Terminal
Situation
PME
Earth
Terminal
Refer to the document listed for the PME

criteria or alternative earthing system(s)
Exhibitions, shows and stands
No
Refer to BS 7671:2008 Section 711
Fairgrounds, amusement parks and

circuses
No
Boats, marinas and similar locations
No
Petrol filling stations
No
Refer to Guidance for the Design,

Construction, Modification and Maintenance
of Petrol Filling Stations published jointly by
the Association for Petroleum and Explosives
Administration and the Institute of Petroleum
for further information
Permanent buildings associated with

the above installations e.g. living
accommodation, office, restaurant,
shop etc
Yes
Provided the building is electrically separated

and its electrical installation complies with the
bonding requirements of BS 7671.
Mobile and transportable vehicles and

units that contain an electrical
installation for outside broadcast 2 ,
medical services, advertising, catering
services etc
No
Refer to BS 7909 and BS 7671:2008 Section

717
Construction and demolition sites
No
Use either TN-S or TT refer to Section 7.1
Mines and quarries
No
Use either TN-S or TT refer to Section 7.2
Railway installations
Yes
Refer to Section 7.3
Farms and horticultural premises
Yes
Sports pavilions and swimming pools
Yes
Street lighting
Yes
Refer to Section 7.7.1
Electric vehicle charging points
Yes
Refer to Section 7.7.2.1
Street furniture
Yes
Refer to Section 7.7.2.2
Multiple occupancy buildings
Yes
Metal-clad buildings
Yes
The blanket approval previously given for outside broadcast vehicles (such as those owned by the BBC or IBA
companies) to use a PME earthing system has been withdrawn.
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Situation
PME
Earth
Terminal
Refer to the document listed for the PME

criteria or alternative earthing system(s)
Conversion of older properties into

flats
Yes
Cathodic protection installations
Yes
Communication stations
Yes
Mobile Phone Base Stations and

Masts associated with Substations
Yes
Refer to Sections 7.13 and 7.14
5.4
Bonding Requirements
The main bonding requirements and minimum size of bonding connectors for PME
installations are given in Table 2.
Table 2 General Bonding Requirements
Connection Type
Copper or Copper Equivalent Bonding

Conductor
At customers premises between service neutral

and main earthing terminal
16mm2 or half the size of the neutral meter tail

whichever is the larger
Note: The main earth terminal is usually built

into the cut-out
At customers premises between the main
earthing terminal and the earth bar of the
consumer unit
16mm2 or half the size of the neutral meter tail

whichever is the larger
Note: This is the responsibility of the consumer

At customers premises the main bonding
conductor between the main earthing terminal
and all metal structures, metal pipes and other
extraneous conductive parts
Refer to BS 7671:2008 Table 54.8
Note: This is the responsibility of the consumer
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5.5
Warning Labels
In some circumstances it is necessary to install a warning label where specified in this

document. Table 3 details the warning labels that are available.
Table 3 Warning Labels
Situation/Location
Materials Code 3 /
Reference
Specification
PME/PNB Earth
21758H
Next to the cut-out

refer to Section 5.2
EDS 07-0009.130
100mm x 50mm
adhesive label
PNB Earth
EDS 07-0009.9
70mm x 20mm
tie on label
EDS 07-0009.119
100mm x 50mm
adhesive label
On the PNB earth

where it enters the
cut-out refer to
Section 5.2
Multiple Supplies
Next to the cut-out
when multiple
supplies are
provided to single
customer or building
refer to Section
7.8.4
Multiple Supplies
SAFETY ELECTRICAL
CONNECTION DO NOT
REMOVE
BS 951
At each end of the

bonding conductor
between the cut-out
earth terminals
refer to Section 7.8.4
Connection of two
earthing systems
EDS 07-0009.120
Label
100mm x 50mm
adhesive label
At the removal link

between two
separate earthing
systems refer to
Section 8
UK Power Networks logistics material code.
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Situation/Location
Materials Code 3 /
Reference
Specification
Street Furniture
EDS 07-0009.127
100mm x 50mm
adhesive label
Next to the cut-out

refer to Section
7.7.2.2
Label
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Earth Fault Loop Impedance
The earth fault loop impedance requirements are covered by EDS 06-0004 which contains
guidance on:
Typical earth fault loop impedance values.

Earth fault loop impedance measurements.
Customer installations and situations requiring further investigation.
Supplies to street furniture.
Relevant legislation.
Special Situations
This section describes a number of special situations where an alternative earthing system
may be required and also includes arrangements for some other special situations. This
section is generally based on the guidance given in ENA ER G12/4 Section 6.2. The
following special situations are included:
7.1
Construction and demolition sites.

Mines and quarries.
Railway installations.
Farms and horticultural premises.
Swimming pools.
Sports pavilions.
Street lighting and road signs.
Street furniture including electric vehicle charging points.
Freestanding metallic pillars.
Multiple occupancy buildings.
Metal-clad buildings.
Conversion of older properties into flats.
Cathodic protection installations.
Communication stations.
Lightning protection systems.
LV generators.
HOT sites.
Inset networks.
Construction and Demolition Sites
This section details the types of earthing systems that can be used for temporary supplies to
construction and demolition sites. The transition from a temporary to a permanent supply
shall be taken into account and both supplies considered during the design and planning
stages. UK Power Networks and the customer shall work together to ensure that the
customer's expectations can be satisfied.
The earthing requirements described in this section are based on the latest draft of ENA ER
G12/4. The distribution of electricity on construction and building sites is also covered in
BS 7375.
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7.1.1
Background
Construction and demolition sites have particular earthing issues due to the amount of
exposed conductive parts (e.g. scaffolding, cranes etc) which are in contact with the ground
and in effect providing an earthed surface. The very process of construction and demolition
means that bonding is not always in place. If another earth from an electricity supply is
introduced into the site there may be a potential (voltage) difference between the two
earthing systems. If this occurs there is a possibility of simultaneous contact with the two
earthing systems and an electric shock. The situation is exacerbated by the presence of
earthed conducting surfaces and a higher risk of both installation fault and broken supply
neutral conditions.
7.1.2
Temporary Supplies
A PME earth terminal shall not be provided to construction or demolition sites because it is
not possible to verify that the installation continuously complies with the bonding
requirements of BS 7671. The following alternatives are available:
TT earthing system.
TN-S (SNE) earthing system from a dedicated transformer.
TN-S (SNE) earthing system via an isolating transformer.
The protection requirements for each of these are covered in BS 7671.

If the temporary supply is for a substation, advice should be sought from Asset Management
(refer to EDS 06-0001).
7.1.2.1 TT Earthing System with RCD Protection
The preferred option is a TT earthing system as shown in Figure 1.
Construction Site
DNO Secondary
Substation
HV : LV
DNO
Customer
RCD
L1
L1
L2
L2
L3
L3
N/E
N
E
Other Customer
Supplies
Figure 1 Temporary Building Supply with a TT Earthing System
The supply shall be protected in accordance with BS 7671 and shall include a residual
current device (RCD) on the customers side of the cut-out. There should be no extraneous
conductive parts before and/or enclosing the RCD.
The earth electrode shall be a minimum of 2m away from any PME earth electrode or
exposed LV metallic cable sheath and a minimum of 8m away from any HOT substation and
associated cables to limit the effect of transfer potential between earthing systems.
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All metering equipment shall be contained within a non-conductive enclosure, i.e. not metalclad. If unavoidable, please consult the meter operator for further information.
The developer/contractor is responsible for maintaining the RCD and the site earth. It is also
the developers/contractors responsibility to ensure that RCD settings comply with BS 7671.
7.1.2.2 TN-S from a Dedicated Transformer
If the site has a dedicated UK Power Networks secondary substation that only supplies the
customer it will usually be possible to provide a TN-S earth terminal directly from the
transformer neutral see Figure 2. This arrangement will also enable easier transition to a
permanent supply when it is required.
Note: If the transformer supplies other customers or interconnects with other parts of the LV
network, this arrangement is not permitted. Before connecting the construction supply it is
necessary to first permanently disconnect:
The other customers or LV network.

All relevant cables.
All earth connections apart from the substation LV earth.
If there is any doubt one of the other options shall be used.

Construction Site
DNO Secondary
Substation
HV : LV
DNO
Customer
L1
L1
L2
L2
L3
L3
Figure 2 TN-S Earth from a Dedicated Transformer
7.1.2.3 TN-S Earthing via an Isolating Transformer

If the site doesn't have a dedicated transformer, i.e. the transformer supplies other
customers or other parts of the LV network, it is still possible to provide a TN-S supply by
using a 1:1 isolating transformer as shown in Figure 3. The neutral of the isolating
transformer can be used to provide a TN-S earthing system within the boundary of the site.
The isolating transformer should be - and comply with BS EN 61558-2-4.
The transformer enclosure and core shall be connected to the site earth. The transformer
shall be protected against primary winding faults with a residual current device (RCD) on the
customers side of the cut-out. The setting of the RCD shall ensure that the voltage rise on
the site earth is less than 50V.
Note: Additional RCDs may be required on the secondary side of the isolating transformer
for the sub-circuit protection to satisfy the requirements of BS 7671.
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The customers earth electrode shall be a minimum of 2m away from any PME earth
electrode or exposed LV metallic cable sheath and a minimum of 8m away from any HOT
substation and associated cables to limit the effect of transfer potential between earthing
systems.
The developer/contractor is responsible for maintaining the RCD, the isolating transformer,
the LV supply and the site earth. It is also the developers/contractors responsibility to ensure
that RCD settings comply with BS 7671.
Figure 3 TN-S Earth from an Isolating Transformer
7.1.3
Transition to a Permanent Supply
Although it is preferable, it is not always practical to remove the temporary building supply
before the permanent supply is required. Therefore a permanent supply using PME may be
provided to a building if the following criteria are satisfied:
The building installation shall satisfy the requirements of BS 7671.

It is not possible for a person to make simultaneous contact between any conductive
parts bonded to the PME earth and conductive parts outside the building. (Provided that
they cannot be touched at the same time these conductive parts outside the building will
not be classified as extraneous conductive parts, as defined by BS 7671.) Note: For a
building other than a metal-clad building, it will usually be possible to satisfy this
requirement even if scaffolding is still in place on the outside of the building provided the
scaffolding is not bonded to the TT earth.
Any isolating transformer used to provide a temporary supply shall be removed from the
site.
Any TT earth including equipment bonded to it shall be a minimum of 2m from the
permanent supply earth including equipment bonded to it.
The second fix shall be completed or, alternatively, a phased handover agreed with the
meter operator.
The site shall be in a reasonable condition and satisfy the meter operator's requirements.
Note: These requirements also apply to an existing building that is undergoing construction
works with scaffolding in place.
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7.2
Mines and Quarries
A PME earthing terminal may be provided for use in mine/quarry permanent buildings (e.g.
permanent offices and canteens) provided that the electrical installation complies with the
bonding requirements of BS 7671. A PME earthing terminal may not be provided to amenity
shower blocks unless an earth grid is installed.
Supplies to underground shafts, the production side of quarries or associated amenity
shower blocks shall use a TT earthing system and shall consist of an independent earth
electrode and RCD protection. The TT earthing system shall be segregated by a minimum of
2m from any PME earthing system. The supply and installation of earthing system and
protection is the responsibility of the customer.
If the site has a dedicated secondary substation that only supplies the customer an
alternative is to provide a TN-S earth terminal directly from the transformer neutral.
Also refer to HSE internet publication
http://www.hse.gov.uk/quarries/electricity.htm
'Electrical
Safety
in
Quarries'
at
Note: It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the installation conforms to the
requirements of BS 7671.
7.3
Railway Installations
This section details the requirements for providing PME earth terminals to operators of
railway systems and is based on the requirements from the latest draft ENA ER G12/4.
7.3.1
General
The following criteria apply to all supplies to railway installations with a PME earth terminal:
All installations shall comply with the requirements of BS 7671, including equipotential
bonding for PME conditions.
The housing at the intake position shall not expose a member of the general public to
dangerous touch potentials.
Metallic enclosures containing LV equipment are not permitted at the intake position or
where they may expose a member of the general public to dangerous touch potentials.
Note: Network Rail has been given a temporary dispensation by the ENA to enable them
to use of metallic enclosures provided the earthing requirements of Section 7.7.2.3 are
adopted.
The above measures do not necessarily provide full protection against touch potentials for
railway personnel and it is the responsibility of the railway operator to assess and control
such risks.
7.3.2
LV Supplies at Traction Supply Points
A PME earth terminal shall not be provided at traction supply points associated with AC
traction systems. The requirements for LV auxiliary supplies at these locations are detailed
in ENA ER P24.
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7.3.3
LV Supplies for Sites with both AC and DC Traction Systems
A PME earth terminal shall not be provided to sites that have both AC and DC traction
systems unless it can be demonstrated that:
There is no transfer track between the AC and DC systems.

The DC system is not connected to earth.
The DC supply is segregated by at least 1m from the PME earth.
The requirements for LV supplies to AC traction systems (Section 7.3.4) and DC traction
systems (Section 7.3.5) are satisfied.
7.3.4
LV Supplies Associated with AC Traction Systems at Locations other than Traction

Supply Points
Specific information about the compliance of individual railway operators is detailed in

Appendix C.
A PME earth terminal may be provided to premises and trackside cubicles associated with
railway lines using an AC traction system subject to the railway operator confirming that the
following criteria are satisfied:
1. If there is DC traction in the vicinity the AC and DC traction systems shall be fully
segregated such that there can be no earth connection to the DC system and there shall
be no sections of transfer track between the AC and DC systems.
2. The equipment being supplied and all other equipment to which it is bonded shall not
have any risk of coming into contact with the traction supply or (where equipment is at
risk of contact with the traction supply) a bonding conductor shall be provided between
the PME earth terminal and the traction return circuit, which shall be of an adequate size
to carry traction fault current using one of the following options:
Direct bonding as shown in Figure 4 where the LV electrical equipment is either

directly bonded to the traction return circuit, or in contact with a conductive structure.
Indirect bonding as shown in Figure 5.
3. If there is a traction supply at the railway station, the traction supply and LV supply shall
not originate from the same source (grid/primary) substation.
4. The earth potential rise during fault conditions shall be less than:
430V for faults with a duration greater than 0.2s but less than 3s.
650V for faults with a duration less than or equal to 0.2s.
Note: An earth potential rise of 484V for 0.25s is deemed acceptable.
5. The rise of voltage on the traction rail due to traction return current shall not exceed 25V
under frequent traction peak starting or running current conditions.
6. The railway operator shall provide a drawing of the proposed installation in order to
demonstrate that a suitable path exists for traction fault current.
Two methods of bonding are employed for equipment associated with AC electrified
railways. LV electrical equipment which is either a) in contact with a conductive structure
directly bonded to the traction return circuit, or b) is directly bonded to the traction return
circuit is classed as directly bonded. In all other cases equipment is indirectly bonded. The
two methods of bonding are illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5.
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Booster
transformer
25kV catenary
Overhead return conductor
Running rail
Bonding to traction
return circuit by
agreement with DNO
Direct bonding to
traction return circuit
Equipment in electrical contact

with traction return circuit
Traction supply
DNO intake
Figure 4 Direct Bonding for Equipment in Contact with the Traction Return Circuit
Booster
transformer
25kV catenary
Overhead return conductor
Running rail
Bonding to traction
return circuit
Equipment not in contact with traction

return circuit but at risk of becoming
live from 25kV overhead line
Traction supply
DNO intake
Figure 5 Indirect Bonding for Equipment not in Contact with the Traction Return Circuit.
7.3.5
LV Supplies Associated with DC Traction Systems
These requirements seek to minimise the risk of electrolytic corrosion of earthing systems
due to stray DC currents. They are based on a recognition that, if stray currents exist, there
will be paths electrically closer to the traction system which will take larger stray currents
than will flow through an LV earthing system. In this case corrosion of cable sheaths,
structures and earthing systems, which are subject to regular inspections, will quickly
become apparent to the railway operator. These measures will also ensure that for PME
systems no external voltage is impressed on the neutral/earth conductor.
Refer to Appendix C for information on the construction of DC traction systems.
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A PME earth terminal may be provided to premises and trackside cubicles associated with
railway lines using DC traction systems provided the following criteria are satisfied:
1. If there is an AC traction system in the vicinity, the systems shall be fully segregated
such that there can be no earth connection to the DC system and there shall be no
sections of transfer track between the AC and DC systems.
2. Neither pole of the traction supply shall be directly connected to earth and any
connection to earth is solely for the purpose of the detection of earth fault conditions.
3. The traction supply (3rd rail or overhead) and return (running rails and/or 4th rail) rails
are insulated from earth in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 50122-2.
4. The LV supply, including the protective earthing conductor, and all earthed metal
associated with it shall be segregated from all DC conductors by the maximum
practicable distance, subject to a minimum distance of 1m in accordance with
BS EN 50122-2.
5. There shall be no evidence of corrosion on railway equipment which may be due to stray
DC current. In the event that the railway operator detects corrosion due to stray DC
current on any of their equipment following the provision of an LV supply they shall
advise UK Power Networks 4 .
6. The voltage between the running rails and earth shall satisfy the requirements of
BS EN 50122-1 i.e. less than 5V.
7. The conductance between the running rails and earth shall satisfy the requirements of
BS EN 50122-2 i.e. less than 0.55 S/km per track.
7.3.6
Other Electrified Systems
Refer to ETR 123 for supplies to Light Rapid Transit Systems.

Requirements for the provision of earthing terminals to premises and equipment at the
trackside of operators of other traction systems should be referred to the earthing specialist
(refer to EDS 06-0001).
7.3.7
Assessment Process
To enable the request for a PME supply associated with a railway installation to be properly
assessed, the railway operator shall be requested to complete the application form in
Appendix D. The form and flow chart shown in Appendix E can then be used to assess the
application.
If UK Power Networks are advised by Network Rail that corrosion has been detected the supply shall be reassessed using the assessment process in Section 7.3.7 and if appropriate the earth terminal shall be withdrawn
and Network Rail advised to use a TT earthing system.
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7.4
Farms and Horticultural Premises
A PME earthing terminal may be provided for use in farms and horticultural premises
provided that:
There is no extraneous metalwork.

The building electrical installation complies with the bonding requirements of BS 7671.
The building is not occupied by animals or, if it is occupied by animals, a bonded earth
grid is installed in the floor.
If these conditions cannot be satisfied a TT earthing system shall be used and shall consist
of an independent earth electrode and RCD protection. The TT earthing system shall be
segregated by a minimum of 2m from any PME earthing system or any building with a PME
earthing installation. Furthermore earthing systems shall not be mixed within a building. The
supply and installation of earthing system and protection is the responsibility of the
customer.
requirements of BS 7671. BS 7671:2008 (Regulation 705.411.1) requires all final circuits to
incorporate RCD protection regardless of type of earthing system used.
7.5
Swimming Pools
A PME earthing terminal may be provided for use in swimming pools provided that the
electrical installation complies with the bonding requirements of BS 7671. Electrical supplies
to swimming pools and other basins are covered in Section 702 of BS 7671:2008.
7.6
Sports Pavilions
A PME earthing terminal may be provided for use in sports pavilions and similar locations
provided that the electrical installation complies with the bonding requirements of BS 7671
and either:
No shower area exists or is likely to exist, or

A bonded earth grid is installed in the floor of the shower area.
If these conditions cannot be satisfied a TT earthing system shall be used and shall consist
of an independent earth electrode and RCD protection. The TT earthing system shall be
segregated by a minimum of 2m from any PME earthing system. The supply and installation
of earthing system and protection is the responsibility of the customer.
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7.7
Street Lighting and Street Furniture
7.7.1
Street Lighting and Road Signs (up to 500W)
A PME earthing terminal may be provided to supply street lighting and road signs with a load
of 500W or less owned by Network Operators or Street Lighting Authorities. Private street
lighting installations are not permitted to combine the neutral and earth function therefore
SNE cables shall be used throughout their installation. The supply to street lighting authority
and private installations is usually via a pillar. The following earthing requirements shall be
applied to all street lighting installations:
An earth electrode shall be installed at the last lamp column position. However the earth
electrode may be omitted for single lamp columns provided the distributor neutral
conductor is earthed either at or beyond the service joint position (refer to Figure 6).
Note: It is not permissible to consider metallic lamp columns to be earth electrodes.
An earth electrode shall also be installed at the feeder pillar, feeder column or at the end
of the service supplying a Street Lighting Authority or private street lighting network (refer
to Figure 6).
The minimum size of bonding conductor shall be 6mm2 for a standard street lighting cutouts (up to 25A) and 16mm2 for other cut-outs up to 100A.
Small isolated metal parts (e.g. doors in concrete lamp columns) which are unlikely to
come into contact with earthed metalwork do not need to be bonded.
Segregated from any HOT substation by 2m.
The earth terminal and any external metalwork of street lighting fittings mounted on
buildings or wooden poles shall be connected to the PME earth terminal unless the fitting
is Class II insulated.
Figure 6 Examples of Street Lighting Earth Electrode Positions
For further details on all other aspects of street lighting refer to EDS 08-0133.
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Electrical supplies to outdoor lighting installations, highway power supplies and street
furniture are covered in Section 559.10 of BS 7671:2008.
7.7.2
Street Furniture (not covered by 7.7.1)
This section covers street furniture accessible to the public including electric vehicle
charging points communication and cable television electrical distribution cabinets etc, with a
load above 500W. Larger fenced off installations are excluded.
7.7.2.1 Electric Vehicle Charging Points
The permissible options for supplies to electric vehicle charging points are given in Table 4.
The installation shall comply with the requirements detailed in the IET Code of Practice on
Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation All exposed-conductive-parts of the
charging point shall be bonded to the earthing system and the incoming supply to the
charging point shall be protected by an RCD. The customer is responsible for maintaining
the RCD and any TT earth.
Table 4 Electric Vehicle Charging Point Earthing Options
Electric Vehicle Charging Point Location
Earthing System
On-street
TT
Domestic Installations (including small offices and

shops where the electrical supply and installation are
similar to those at domestic premises)
Inside
Use existing earthing

system (TN-C-S or TT)
Outside
TT
Industrial and Commercial Installations (including

installations on or adjacent to premises, public and
private car parks both single-storey, multi-storey and
those associated with multiple occupancy buildings)
Inside
Use existing earthing

system (TN-C-S or TT)
Outside
TT
Note: The IET Code of Practice on Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installations also
includes a risk assessment to cover the situation where different earthing systems, e.g. PME
and TT, may co-exist at the same premises and various checklists to assess an installation.
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7.7.2.2 Other Street Furniture

The practice of installing equipment in metallic enclosures is discouraged due to the risk of
any earthed metalwork becoming live in the event of a broken neutral and the difficulty in
managing the step and touch potentials around the enclosure. Therefore all street electrical
fixtures should be Class II (double-insulated) construction (as defined in BS 7671), e.g.
public telephones, ticket machines, bollards etc, or housed in a Class II (double-insulated)
enclosure wherever possible.
Where the street electrical fixture or enclosure is of Class I construction (as defined in
BS 7671), a PME earth terminal may be provided without significant risk to the public
provided that the electrical installation:
Complies with the bonding requirements of BS 7671.

Complies with the earth electrode and labelling requirements detailed in Table 5.
Is segregated from any HOT substation by 2m.
Alternatively, or if these requirements cannot be satisfied, a TT earthing system shall be

used and shall consist of an independent earth electrode and RCD protection. The TT
earthing system shall be segregated by a minimum of 2m from any PME earthing system.
The supply and installation of earthing system and protection is the responsibility of the
customer.
Table 5 PME Maximum Load and Earth Electrode Resistance Values for Class I Street Furniture
Connection
Maximum Single-phase
Load or Three-phase
Overall Load Unbalance
Earth Electrode
Requirements
Labelling
Requirements
Balanced threephase
No load unbalance
Not required
n/a
Unbalanced
three-phase or
single-phase
500W
Maximum 100 earth

electrode 5
Refer to Table 3
2kW
Maximum 20 earth
electrode5
Refer to Table 3
>2kW
Grading electrode (refer

to Section 7.7.2.3)
n/a
5
These values are based on ENA ER G12/4 and have been selected to limit the touch voltage to 100V which is
deemed to be safe.
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7.7.2.3 Freestanding Metallic Feeder Pillars

Where freestanding metallic pillars are used and the rules for street furniture detailed in
Section 7.7.2.2 are not satisfied (e.g. metering cubicles supplying IDNOs and Network Rail),
the following requirements shall be applied and are shown in Figure 7:
Pillar
The pillar shall be surrounded by a 70mm2 bare copper conductor grading electrode
buried at a depth of approx 500mm and located approx 500mm away from all sides of
the pillar.
The pillar and the grading electrode shall be connected to the earth terminal.
The pillar shall be at least 2m clear of other earthed metalwork not connected to the
same earth to avoid touch potential risks arising from inadvertent contact between the
pillar and the other earthed metalwork.
Where the pillar is located within 2m of a secondary substation the pillar grading
electrode shall be connected to the secondary substation earthing via duplicate
connections.
Figure 7 Metallic Pillar with a Grading Earth Electrode
Network Rail has been given a temporary dispensation by the ENA to use metallic cabinets
provided the earthing design shown in Figure 8 is adopted. For further details refer to
drawing EDS 07-0102.14. Note: This dispensation will apply until Network Rail has
exhausted their current stock of metallic cabinets.
Figure 8 Metallic Pillar Earthing at Network Rail Sites
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7.8
Multiple Occupancy Buildings
7.8.1
Overview
This section is based on ENA ER G87. A multiple occupancy building is defined in

ENA ER G87 as a building occupied by more than one customer some typical examples
are flats and industrial units (Figure 9). EDS 08-0118 covers all of the other design aspects
associated with multiple occupancy buildings including fire fighting supplies.
Note: The requirements detailed in this section may be applied from the date this document
is issued; however they will not become mandatory until EDS 08-0118 is issued, until this
time legacy standards may be used if appropriate.
Figure 9 Multiple Occupancy Building Examples
It has been common practice for many years to provide connections to individual premises
from a PME system and for individual premises to be given a PME earth terminal. However
this is no longer acceptable due to the issues outlined below:
The provision of a suitable end-of-main electrode which may be impractical, particularly

in multi-storey buildings.
The problems caused by the flow of neutral current (refer to Appendix F) through the
building steelwork.
Having to apply continuous ratings to steel wire armour on cables used for the building
network to cater for diverted neutral current.
The need for equipotential bonding between the intake positions.
The following sections only apply to multiple occupancy buildings that have a steel-frame or
shared metallic services. Where these criteria do not apply all services may be provided with
a PME earth terminal, subject to the relevant planning standards.
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7.8.2
New Building Design Single Intake and Single Service
Supplies to new multiple occupancy buildings shall wherever possible be designed with a
single intake position and be provided with an earth terminal from a PME system as shown
in Figure 10 and Figure 11. The appropriate main equipotential bonding connections to
structural steelwork and to metallic services shall be made at this point of connection.
All cables from the intake to individual customers shall be SNE 6 .
At an individual customers installation the main equipotential bonding between metallic
services, extraneous metalwork and the earth terminal shall be carried out in accordance
with BS 7671. This will ensure that no harmful potentials appear between earthed and
extraneous metalwork within the customers premises under fault conditions. For bonding
purposes, the customers installation shall be considered to be TN-C-S if a PME earth
terminal is provided at the intake position.
A single intake position with a single service avoids the problems outlined above. However if
it is not possible to design on the basis of a single-intake/service position, two separate
intakes may be provided in accordance with Section 7.8.3 or multiple services to a single
intake in accordance with 7.8.4.
UKPN
Customer
Building
11kV
400V
I
N
T
A
K
E
CO
New CNE Service
Flat/Unit 1
Flat/Unit 2
Flat/Unit n
PME
LV
Cabinet
LV Network
Ownership Boundary
CO
Cut-out
Single Intake
Position Supplies
to Multiple Flats/
Units
PME
End-of-main Electrode
CNE cable
Metering and customer equipment

not shown refer to EDS 08-0118
SNE cable
Figure 10 Single Intake Supply Arrangement New PME Service from Secondary Substation
If SNE cable is unavailable CNE cable with a separate earth conductor is an acceptable alternative.
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UKPN
Customer
Building
11kV
400V
PME Main
I
N
T
A
K
E
CO
New CNE
Service
PME
Main
LV
Cabinet
Cut-out
Flat/Unit 2
PME
Single Intake
Position Supplies
to Multiple Flats/
Units
Flat/Unit n
PME
PME
LV Network
CO
Flat/Unit 1
Ownership Boundary
CNE cable

SNE cable
Figure 11 Single Intake Supply Arrangement - New PME Service from PME Main
7.8.3
New Building Design Multiple Intakes and One Service
It is not always possible to design using a single intake position particularly for a horizontal
run of steel-framed residential, industrial or commercial units. Individual PME connections
shall not be used in these situations due to the risks associated with significant neutral
current flow through structural steelwork and fixings under fault or other conditions and the
difficulty associated with providing a bond between intake positions.
Therefore one of the following options shall be used:
Freestanding pillar provide a PME connection to a freestanding distribution

pillar/cabinet and use a SNE 7 cable to supply each unit (refer to Figure 12a and Figure
12b).
Note: The neutral and earth conductors of the SNE cables shall not be bonded together
at any point other than the pillar as this would result in a path for neutral current to be
diverted into the building structure.
Secondary substation use a SNE7 cable to supply each unit directly from the local
secondary substation (refer to Figure 12c).
Individual service alternatively an individual service may be provided to each unit using
a TT earthing system. Although this will eliminate the problems it has other
disadvantages that may be unacceptable to the customer.
If SNE cable is unavailable CNE cable with a separate earth conductor is an acceptable alternative.
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(a)
Site Boundary
UKPN Customer
11kV
400V
New CNE Service
I
N
T
A
K
E
CO
LV
Cabinet
New SNE
Services
Flat/
Unit 1
Flat/
Unit 2
Supplies to
Multiple Flats/
Units
Flat/
Unit n
PME
LV Network
Building
Ownership
Boundary
(b)

Site Boundary
UKPN Customer
11kV
400V
New CNE Service
I
N
T
A
K
E
CO
LV
Cabinet
CO
Intake
1
CO
Supplies to
Intake
Multiple Intake
2
Positions
CO
Intake
n
New SNE
Services
PME
LV Network
Building
Ownership
Boundary

(c)
UKPN Customer
on Customer Site
11kV
Site Boundary
Building
Dedicated New Services single or

multi-core installed as
SNE Cables to Each Intake Position
400V
LV
Cabinet
Ownership
Boundary
CO
Intake
1
CO
Supplies to
Intake
Multiple Intake
2
Positions
CO
Intake
n

LV Network
CO
Cut-out
PME
CNE cable
SNE cable
Figure 12 Multiple Intake Supply Arrangements
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7.8.4
Multiple Services to a Single Customer or Building
Multiple CNE services to a single customer or building are not recommended due to the
problems associated with neutral current diversion (refer to Appendix F) and with the
isolation of the supplies. If there is no alternative to providing an additional service or an
additional service has already been provided the following requirements (shown in Figure
13) shall be satisfied for PME earthing:
The services shall be from the same secondary substation and ideally from the same
main.
The services shall be positioned in the same intake room/cabinet and have the same
size neutral conductors.
The earth terminals of each service shall be bonded 8 together using a copper conductor
covered in green/yellow PVC with a blue marker at each end (to indicate that it's carrying
current). The size of the bonding conductor shall be not less than that of the associated
service neutral conductor. The bonding conductor shall have a warning label (BS 951)
fitted to each end as detailed in Table 3.
A warning label (EDS 07-0009.119) shall be installed next to each cut-out as detailed in
Table 3.
Each service to the building shall be treated as a separate supply within the customers
installation and the equipotential bonding to other services (gas, water etc) installed
accordingly. This ensures that equipotential bonding is maintained if one of the services
is removed in the future.
If the above requirements cannot be satisfied:
Only one earth terminal shall be provided to a customer or building from the network and
all other services shall use a TT earth.
The electrical installations (including equipotential bonding) supplied from each service
shall be entirely isolated from one another.
UKPN
Customer
11kV
400V
CNE Service 1
CO
PME
CNE Service 2
Cut-out
PME
Customer
SINGLE Intake
Room
Flat/Unit n
PME
LV Network
CO
Flat/Unit 1
Flat/Unit 2
CO
LV
Cabinet
Building
Ownership
Boundary
Warning Label

CNE cable
SNE cable
Figure 13 Multiple Services to a Single Customer or Building
The neutral/earth bonding conductor prevents excessive current flowing through the customers bonding in the
event of a broken neutral conductor.
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7.8.5
Existing Buildings
Wherever possible the requirements for new buildings detailed in Section 7.8.2 or Section
7.8.3 shall be applied to existing buildings, however, if the requirements cannot be satisfied
then the requirements for multiple services detailed in Section 7.8.4 shall applied.
7.8.6
End-of-main Earth Electrode
Where a PME service is provided to a multi-occupancy building an end-of-main earth

electrode with a maximum resistance of 100 shall be installed adjacent to the point of entry
to the building of the incoming service cable. The associated earthing conductor may be run
into the building alongside the service cable and connected to the neutral at the intake
position (refer to EDS 06-0016 for the electrode details).
7.9
Metal-clad Buildings
Where metal-clad buildings incorporate a steel-frame that utilises steel vertical beams that
are within the foundations, the steel-frame will provide a good connection with the earth
which will effectively limit the earth potential rise.
A PME service may be provided to a metal-clad building provided the following criteria are
satisfied:
The metal cladding is bonded to the steel-frame.

The supply is either three-phase with less than 40% 9 unbalance or the supply is singlephase and the frame to earth impedance is less than 20.
7.10
Conversion of Older Properties into Flats
There is an increasing trend to convert older properties, particularly in city areas, into flats
which then require changes to the electrical supply. Very often these properties have
concrete floors and the ground floor flat may be equipped with a shower and it is often
impractical for the builder to install a bonded earth grid in the shower area. Section 7.6
describes the risks associated with showers located at ground floor level and where an earth
grid is required.
The absence of an earth grid should be discussed with the customer, and a TT earthing
system with an independent earth electrode and RCD protection considered as a more
appropriate alternative to a PME earthing system.
7.11
Cathodic Protection Installations
The usual source of power for cathodic protection installations is a mains supply via a
transformer rectifier unit. The preferred arrangement for cathodic protection installations is a
TT earthing system which shall consist of an independent earth electrode and RCD
protection. The TT earthing system shall be segregated by a minimum of 2m from any PME
earthing system. The supply and installation of earthing system and protection is the
responsibility of the customer..
However a PME earthing terminal may be given provided there is no electrical connection
between the primary and secondary of the transformer rectifier unit and that the electrical
Source ENA ER G12/4.
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installation complies with the bonding requirements of BS 7671. Cathodic protection is

covered by BS 7361.
7.12
Small Radio Stations Requiring a Functional Earth
Some communication stations require an independent earth electrode for functional/lightning

purposes. Where such an earth is installed its earth resistance may be comparable or less
than that of the DNO earthing system. On a PME network, in the event of an open circuit
neutral the customer earth electrode may carry most of the diverted neutral current. However
the size of the customer earthing and bonding connections may be insufficient for this
current, particularly where the service size is small.
If this is the case a TT earthing system and RCD protection shall be used for either the
whole of the installation or the part of the installation supplying the radio/communication
equipment and any associated metalwork to prevent the possible neutral current diversion
described above. In the latter case the TT installation earthing shall be segregated by a
minimum of 2m from any PME earthing system and any earthing/bonding in the remainder of
the customer installation. The supply and installation of earthing system and protection is the
responsibility of the customer..
Where disruption due to possible RCD nuisance tripping would be unacceptable, an
alternative to the TT earthing system is to size the earthing and bonding accordingly (i.e. the
customer earthing and bonding shall not be less than the cross-sectional area of the service
neutral).
7.13
Mobile Phone Masts
A PME earthing terminal may be provided for a mobile phone mast supply provided the rules
for street furniture detailed in Section 7.7.2 are satisfied.
However if a functional earth is also required the installation shall be treated as a radio
transmitter and a TT earthing system consisting of an independent earth electrode and RCD
protection shall be used. The TT earthing system shall be segregated by a minimum of 2m
from any PME earthing system. The supply and installation of earthing system and
protection is the responsibility of the customer..
7.14
Mobile Phone Base Stations and Masts Associated with Substations
Positioning a mobile phone base station (MPBS), mast or other communication tower
adjacent to or within a substation has touch, step and transfer potential implications as there
are two separate earthing systems in close proximity to each other. Furthermore, the ground
in and around the substation will rise in potential under earth fault conditions and it is
necessary to ensure that the MPBS and/or mast is not situated within the 430V contours,
since this voltage could be collected by the masts earthing system and impressed on the
supply neutral.
Therefore there is a need to limit touch and step potentials, and to prevent transfer potentials
onto the LV network. The rules in the following sections may be applied to MPBS and masts
associated with secondary distribution substations and pole-mounted sites to satisfy this.
However, if these rules, and in particular the specified segregation, cannot be satisfied a
detailed earthing study shall be carried out to calculate the earth potential rise, the extent of
the voltage contours and the interaction with any metalwork. A specialised design is required
to ensure that touch and step potentials are managed and that dangerous potentials are not
transferred into the LV network.
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For MPBS and masts associated with grid and primary substations refer to EDS 06-0013.
7.14.1
MPBS and Masts Adjacent to a COLD Secondary Substation
A PME earthing terminal may be provided to a COLD site (combined HV/LV earth) as the
earth potential rise is within safe limits and transfer potential is not an issue. However, the
MPBS or mast cannot be assumed to be bonded to the PME earth terminal and at times
may exist at a different potential to the metalwork at the substation. Therefore the mast and
any metalwork connected to it shall be positioned at least 2m away from any metalwork
connected to or associated with the substation (refer to Figure 14).
Figure 14 COLD Substation with Adjacent MPBS or Mast
7.14.2
MPBS and Masts Adjacent to a HOT Secondary Substation/Pole-mounted Site
A PME earthing terminal may be provided at a HOT site (segregated HV/LV earth) however
additional precautions are needed to prevent danger resulting from the high voltages
appearing on the metalwork and the rise in earth potential under earth fault conditions.
Therefore the MPBS, mast and any associated metalwork shall be positioned at least 8m
away from the following (refer to Figure 15):
Any metallic sheath cables in contact with the ground.

Any other HV or LV earth electrodes.
Any metalwork connected to or associated with the substation.
Note: Metallic fences around the substation shall be assumed to be part of the
substation.
Figure 15 HOT Substation with Adjacent MPBS or Mast
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7.14.3
MPBS and Masts within a Secondary Substation
The following criteria shall be applied for a MPBS or mast situated within the substation
boundary fence (refer to Figure 16):
If the site is COLD (combined HV/LV earth) a PME earthing terminal may be provided.
If the site is HOT (segregated HV/LV earth) a PME earth terminal is not permitted and a
TT earthing system shall be used.
The MPBS and mast shall be bonded to the substation earth grid.
The MPBS and mast shall be positioned at least 2m away from other separately earthed
metalwork (e.g. fencing with an independent earth).
Substation Fence
Substation
Earth Grid
MPBS
Earth Grid
Figure 16 Substation with MPBS or Mast within the Boundary Fence
7.14.4
Mobile Phone Base Stations Associated with Transmission Towers
For LV supplies to mobile phone base stations mounted on 132kV, 275kV or 400kV
transmission towers refer to EDS 02-0030.
7.15
Lightning Protection Systems
Lightning protection is covered by BS EN 62305 (protection against lightning).

BS EN 62305-3 Section 5.4.1 specifies that the resistance of the lightning protection system
should not exceed 10 and that it is preferable to have a single integrated earthing system.
Therefore provided the customer's lightning system does not exceed 10 it can be
connected to the UK Power Networks earthing system.
A removable link shall be provided to separate the two systems for maintenance and testing
purposes and a warning label installed as detailed in Table 3.
Note:
There will be an electric shock risk between the two earthing systems when the link is
removed.
If the two earthing systems remain unbonded then during lightning strike conditions a
flashover may occur between the lightning conductors and any pipework or conductor
(including cables within the customers installation) bonded to the earth terminal.
7.16
LV Generators
For LV generator connections refer to EDS 08-0106.
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7.17
HOT Sites
For supplies to HOT sites refer to EDS 08-0121.

7.18
Inset Networks
Where the customer is an inset network operator, an earthing terminal shall be provided to
protect their installation. However it is the inset network operators responsibility and
decision to offer earthing terminals to end customers as deemed appropriate by the IDNO.
The preferred method to connect an IDNO network at LV is using a link box as the boundary
isolation/protective device, this is restricted to the maximum link box rating and fuse rating
available to be fitted to the link box. An earth electrode with a maximum resistance of 100
shall be installed at the end of the UK Power Networks LV main i.e. at the incoming side of
the link box (refer to EDS 06-0016).
For further guidance on inset networks refer to EDS 08-0113.
Customer HV Installations
8.1
HV Supplies and Associated Substations
The earthing system for an HV supply and any associated substation will consist of parts
provided by the customer and parts provided by UK Power Networks. The objective is to
design an earthing system that satisfies the safety requirements with an acceptable degree
of redundancy and, wherever possible, a COLD site classification (earth potential rise less
than 430V).
Therefore the customer shall provide an HV earthing system for the installation, irrespective
of the earthing provided by UK Power Networks. The earthing system should normally
consist of copper earth electrodes (tapes and rods) and steel reinforcement piles or rebar in
the vicinity of the substation. This normally needs to be installed at an early part of the
construction phase. In the majority of cases the earthing systems can be interconnected,
especially when the resulting earth resistance is low enough to achieve a COLD site. In this
case it may also be possible to use the same earthing system to provide the LV earth.
The situation is more complex if the HV earthing system is classified as HOT and one of the
following design options shall be used:
Extend the HV earth or reduce the earth fault current to achieve a COLD site, if this is
possible at a reasonable cost. One option for substations on new networks (such as in
London) is to interconnect the earthing with existing 11kV sites that have metallic
sheathed cables or connect onto abandoned sheathed cables.
Interconnect the HV and LV earths and operate as a HOT site with the necessary
measures in place. This is only really practical at an isolated location such as a
standalone factory or office, a wind or solar farm, generating station or National Grid site.
Segregate the HV and LV earthing systems at all points by a minimum of 8m and ensure
that they cannot be interconnected. Precautions will also be required to ensure that a
person cannot contact both earth systems simultaneously.
Segregate the UK Power Networks HV earth from both of the customer earths. This is
difficult to achieve, is not a desirable solution and requires a special design. Options to
achieve it include introduction of a span of unearthed overhead line or cable sheath
insulation joints between the site and the UK Power Networks system. However the
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working practices (such as isolation and earthing for work on the HV system) need
careful consideration in this situation.
For designs to achieve the above and for further details of secondary substation earthing
design refer to EDS 06-0014.
It is especially important that customers are made aware of the earthing requirements at an
early stage. This will allow them to include the appropriate connections to steel rebar in piles
and any buried earth conductor before the construction process is too advanced to allow this
at reasonable cost. As mentioned above, the earthing will require:
8.2
Earth electrode (tapes and rods) on the extremity of the building.

Connection of sheet steel or long vertical rebar reinforcements.
Connection to the floor rebar.
Test facilities.
One or more connection points to the UK Power Networks earthing system.
HV/LV Supplies to Same Customer or Building
Different HV and LV supplies to the same customer or building are a cause of concern due
to the possibility of interconnecting different earthing systems. For example, if a new HV/LV
supply is introduced into a building that already has a UK Power Networks LV supply, the
earthing system of the latter may be exposed to unacceptable fault and circulating current.
To address this situation, site specific design considerations are necessary.
If a customer supplied at HV provides LV supplies into the same building that already has LV
supplies from the distribution network, the customer shall ensure that an alternative earthing
system is not introduced within the building.
Customers are not permitted to use a PME system on their own internal LV network (ESQC
Regulation 8 (4)). However a customer may operate a TN-S network with deliberate
interconnection with the UK Power Networks' earthing system provided the following criteria
are satisfied:
The connection between the two systems shall be sized appropriately (minimum 70mm2)
to handle diverted fault currents arising from faults on the customer's system.
The customer shall carry out specific studies to ensure the earth potential rise on any
part of the system is maintained at safe levels under all circumstances and that there is
no possibility of danger arising to UK Power Networks existing customers.
A removable link shall be provided to separate the two systems for maintenance and
testing purposes and a warning label installed as detailed in Table 3.
Note: There will be an electric shock risk between the two earthing systems when the
link is removed.
If these criteria cannot be satisfied the earthing systems shall be segregated by not less than
2m.
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Appendix A Legislation
The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 cover customers
installations and the provision of earthing facilities. Some relevant regulations include:
General Requirements for Connection with Earth
8 (4) A consumer shall not combine the neutral and protective functions in a single conductor
in his consumers installation.
Protective Multiple Earthing
9 (1) This regulation applies to distributors low voltage networks in which the neutral and
protective functions are combined.
(2) In addition to the neutral with earth connection required under regulation 8(3)(b) a
distributor shall ensure that the supply neutral conductor is connected with earth at:
(a) a point no closer to the distributors source of voltage (as measured along the distributing
main) than the junction between that distributing main and the service line which is most
remote from the source; and
(b) such other points as may be necessary to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable,
the risk of danger arising from the supply neutral conductor becoming open circuit.
(3) Paragraph (2)(a) shall only apply where the supply neutral conductor of the service line
referred to in paragraph (2)(a) is connected to the protective conductor of a consumers
installation.
(4) The distributor shall not connect his combined neutral and protective conductor to any
metalwork in a caravan or boat.
Equipment on a Consumer's Premises
24 (4) Unless he can reasonably conclude that it is inappropriate for reasons of safety, a
distributor shall, when providing a new connection at low voltage, make available his supply
neutral conductor or, if appropriate, the protective conductor of his network for connection to
the protective conductor of the consumer's installation.
Connections to Installations or to Other Networks
25 (2) A distributor shall not give his consent to the making or altering of the connection
referred to in paragraph (1), where he has reasonable grounds for believing that:
(a) the consumer's installation, street electrical fixture or other distributor's network fails to
comply with British Standard Requirements or these Regulations; or
(b) the connection itself will not be so constructed, installed, protected and used or arranged
for use, so as to prevent as far as is reasonably practicable, danger or interruption of supply.
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Appendix B Earthing Systems

B.1
IEC Standard for the Naming of Earthing Systems
Mains electricity systems are categorized in IEC 364 according to how the earthing is
implemented. The common ones are TN-C-S, TN-S and TT. In these descriptions, system
refers to both the supply and the installation, and live parts includes the neutral conductor.
These conventions are used in BS 7671.
First letter (refers to supply networks):
T The live parts in the system have one or more direct connects to earth (i.e. via the
neutral).
I The live parts in the system have no connection to earth or are connected only
through a high impedance.
Second Letter (refers to the customer's installation):
T All exposed conductive parts are connected via earth conductors to a local earth
connection.
N All exposed conductive parts are connected to the earth provided by the supply
network.
Remaining Letters:
C Combined neutral and earth functions (same conductor).

S Separate neutral and protective earth functions (separate conductors).
Note: The letters are derived from the French language: T Terre (earth), N Neutre
(neutral), S Spar (separate), C Combin (combined) and I Isol (isolated).
B.2
BS 7671 Definitions
TN (Terra-Neutral)
A system having one or more points of the source of energy directly earthed, the exposed
conductive-parts of the installation being connected to that point by protective conductors.
TN systems may be subdivided as described below.
TN-C (Terra-Neutral-Combined)
A system in which neutral and protective functions are combined in a single conductor
throughout the system.
TN-S (Terra-Neutral Separated)
A system having separate neutral and protective conductors throughout the system.
TN-C-S (Terra-Neutral-Combined-Separated)
A system in which neutral and protective functions are combined in a single conductor in part
of the system.
TT (Terra-Terra)
A system having one point of the source of energy directly earthed, the exposed-conductive
parts of the installation being connected to earth electrodes electrically independent of the
earth electrodes of the source.
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B.3
TN-S (Terra-Neutral Separated)
In a TN-S earthing system (refer to Figure 17), the incoming supply has a single point of
connection between the supply neutral and earth at the supply transformer. The supply
cables have separate neutral and protective earth conductors (SNE) for the complete
system, and there is no bonding between the neutral and earth conductors, except at the
supply transformer. The neutral conductor may be a fourth core, or a split concentric cable
may be used with part of the concentric conductor insulated and used as the neutral. The
sheath or a separate conductor is used to provide the protective earth. The customer is
provided with an earth terminal connected to the sheath of the service cable or to the
separate earth conductor.
Note:
TN-S was the default earthing system pre-1978 before PME became commonplace.
Since all extensions and repairs use CNE cable it shall be assumed that all networks will
have the neutral and protective earth conductors combined for at least part of the system
will therefore be TN-C-S. The only exceptions will be dedicated supplies to single
customers using a separate earth conductor.
Figure 17 TN-S Earthing System
B.4
TN-C-S (Terra-Neutral-Combined-Separated)
The TN-C-S earthing system is a combination of TN-C and TN-S earthing systems. The
supply cables have a combined neutral and earth (CNE) metallic outer sheath with a PVC
covering (TN-C). The supply neutral conductor also serves as the protective earth and an
earth terminal is provided from it. The supply on the customers side is TN-S, i.e. the neutral
and earth are separate and only linked at the service termination. Both PME and PNB are
examples of the TN-C-S earthing system.
Note: If any part of a network has CNE cable, or has SNE cable with the sheath and neutral
bonded at more than one point, the complete system is classified as TN-C-S.
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PME (Figure 18) is a variant of the TN-C-S earthing system but additional earth electrodes
are connected to the neutral.
Figure 18 PME Earthing System
PNB (Figure 19) is another variant of the TN-C-S earthing system and is similar to PME. It is
generally only used for supplies to a single customer or a small group of customers, e.g. a
customer supplied from a pole-mounted transformer. The neutral conductor is only earthed
at one point and therefore the transformer and the customer share a common neutral earth.
The earth is located closer to the customer than the transformer and often connected at cutout.
The customers electrical installation requirements are exactly the same as for PME.
Figure 19 PNB Earthing System
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B.5
TT (Terra-Terra)
In a TT earthing system (Figure 20), the supply is earthed at one or more points and the
supply cable sheaths are connected to it. The customer has an independent earth electrode
to which any exposed metalwork of the customers installation is connected. The earth loop
impedance is relatively high for this arrangement and therefore a residual current device
(RCD) is usually required to protect the customer's installation.
Figure 20 TT Earthing System
Note:
The resistance of this electrode shall be low enough to ensure that under fault
conditions the voltage on exposed metalwork will not exceed 50V.
BS 7671:2008 411.5.3 (ii) states that R A I n 50 V where R A is the customers
electrode resistance and I n is the rated residual operating current of the residual
current device (RCD).
BS 7671:2008 also suggests that R A should not exceed 200 otherwise it may not
be stable.
BS 7671:2008 generally requires the use of an RCD for domestic properties,
including installations which utilise a distributors earth terminal; these systems are
not TT systems.
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Appendix C Railways
C.1
Operators of AC Electrified Traction Systems in the UK
C.1.1
Network Rail
Network Rail have provided the following information:

Traction load current voltage rise: Network Rail has measured the voltage rise at a typical
location where a DNO earth is available. The maximum measured voltage rise on the
running rail was 5.5V. Taking account of the current paths available it is considered that this
demonstrates compliance, pending the issue of a design specification.
Fault current voltage rise: Zone 2 clearance times are 0.25s. Typical sections will give
voltage rises of 250 300V; however the worst case sections will give a rise of 484V for
0.25s. Although 484V is above the 430V limit the value is deemed acceptable when the
clearance time is taken into consideration.
C.1.2
London and Continental Railways
To be advised.
C.2
DC Electrified Traction Systems in the UK
The following methods of construction are employed in the UK.

C.2.1
Third Rail/Overhead Supply with Return via Insulated Running Rail
The supply is fed via an insulated overhead wire or third running rail mounted on insulators.
The running rails are insulated from earth with plastic pads. Neither pole of the supply is
earthed.
Where track-circuit signalling is used this relies on effective insulation between the running
rails for correct operation.
This system is used on Network Rail third rail systems.
Information on these systems, and the measures to prevent corrosion due to leakage
currents, is given in BS 7430.
C.2.2
Third Rail Supply with Return via Insulated Fourth Rail
The supply is fed via a third running rail mounted on insulators, and the return fourth rail is
also mounted on insulators. Neither pole of the supply is earthed.
This system is used on London Underground (with connections to third and fourth rails to
detect earth faults).
Information on this system, and the measures to detect earth fault currents, is given in
BS 7430.
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C.2.3
Third Rail Supply with Return via Insulated Fourth Rail and Running Rails
This system is used to enable trains equipped for either third or fourth rail systems to run on
the same track. The return fourth rail is mounted on insulators, and the running rails are
insulated from earth with plastic pads. The running rails and the fourth rail are bonded
together. Neither pole of the supply is earthed.
This system is used on lines shared by Network Rail and London Underground.
C.2.4
Uninsulated Return
Tramways are fed via overhead wires with return via running rails embedded in the ground.
Special provisions are required to limit stray DC currents in these systems.
The provision of PME or SNE earth terminals to these systems should be assessed on a
case-by-case basis.
Appendix D Railway PME Application Form

The railway PME application form should be completed by the railway operator when
requesting a PME supply associated with a railway as detailed in 7.3. The form is attached
as a separate document for convenience:
EDS 06-0017D Railway PME Application Form.doc.
Appendix E Railway PME Assessment Form and Flowchart

The railway PME assessment form and flowchart can be used to assess an application for a
PME supply associated with a railway as detailed in 7.3. The form is attached as a separate
document for convenience:
EDS 06-0017E Railway PME Assessment Form.doc (internal use only).
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Appendix F Neutral Current Diversion

Neutral current diversion can occur within the structure of a steel-framed building (or a
building with shared metallic services) supplied with multiple services from a combined
neutral and earth network due to a broken neutral or unbalanced loads. The natural passage
of neutral current through the structural steelwork can cause:
Magnetic field problems both close to the steelwork and at the source which may cause
interference to VDUs etc.
Equipotential bonding conductors to carry neutral current resulting in overheating and
consequential fire risk.
F.1
Broken Neutral
When a multiple services from a combined neutral and earth network are provided to a steelframed building neutral current may flow through the building structure due to a broken
neutral on the network. Figure 21 (a) shows the normal flow of neutral current and Figure 21
(b) shows the flow of neutral current through the building structure due to a broken neutral.
Neutral diversion and the associated risks can be eliminated if all services are provided from
a single point (e.g. intake room, feeder pillar or a secondary substation) on the combined
neutral and earth network.
Figure 21 The Effect of a Broken Neutral when Multiple Services from a CNE Network are provided
to a Steel-framed Building
F.2
Unbalanced Loads
Unbalanced three-phase loads and single-phase loads cause current to flow in the neutral
conductor. Neutral current diversion occurs when multiple CNE services are provided to the
same building and an alternative path exists (e.g. through the structural steelwork of a
building and an earth bond) to the other neutral/earth terminal.
Neutral current diversion within a building due to unbalanced loads can be virtually
eliminated by using separate neutral and earth conductors within the building 10 .
10
Source ENA ER G87.
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ENGINEERING DESIGN STANDARD

CUSTOMER INSTALLATION EARTHING DESIGN

EPN, LPN, SPN

This standard provides guidance on the earthing of customer LV and HV

Completely rewritten to provide a more

Reclassification of document from Earthing

Street furniture, railway installations and multiple

Minor updates to ensure consistency with other

Customer Installation Earthing Design

Document Number: EDS 06-0017

Design Criteria .......................................................................................................... 12

Warning Labels ......................................................................................................... 15

Earth Fault Loop Impedance ...................................................................................17

Special Situations ....................................................................................................17

Construction and Demolition Sites ............................................................................ 17

Temporary Supplies .................................................................................................. 18

Transition to a Permanent Supply............................................................................. 20

Mines and Quarries................................................................................................... 21

LV Supplies at Traction Supply Points ...................................................................... 21

LV Supplies for Sites with both AC and DC Traction Systems.................................. 22

LV Supplies Associated with AC Traction Systems at Locations other than

LV Supplies Associated with DC Traction Systems .................................................. 23

Other Electrified Systems.......................................................................................... 24

Farms and Horticultural Premises ............................................................................. 25

Sports Pavilions ........................................................................................................ 25

Street Lighting and Street Furniture .......................................................................... 26

Street Lighting and Road Signs (up to 500W)........................................................... 26

Street Furniture (not covered by 7.7.1) ..................................................................... 27

Multiple Occupancy Buildings ................................................................................... 30

New Building Design Single Intake and Single Service ......................................... 31

New Building Design Multiple Intakes and One Service ........................................ 32

UK Power Networks 2012 All rights reserved

Customer Installation Earthing Design

Document Number: EDS 06-0017

Multiple Services to a Single Customer or Building................................................... 34

Existing Buildings ...................................................................................................... 35

End-of-main Earth Electrode..................................................................................... 35

Metal-clad Buildings .................................................................................................. 35

Conversion of Older Properties into Flats ................................................................. 35

Cathodic Protection Installations............................................................................... 35

Small Radio Stations Requiring a Functional Earth ............................................... 36

Mobile Phone Masts.................................................................................................. 36

Mobile Phone Base Stations and Masts Associated with Substations...................... 36

7.14.1 MPBS and Masts Adjacent to a COLD Secondary Substation ................................. 37

Lightning Protection Systems.................................................................................... 38

Inset Networks .......................................................................................................... 39

Customer HV Installations ......................................................................................39

HV Supplies and Associated Substations ................................................................. 39

HV/LV Supplies to Same Customer or Building ........................................................ 40

Appendix A Legislation ....................................................................................................41

IEC Standard for the Naming of Earthing Systems ................................................... 42

TN-S (Terra-Neutral Separated) ............................................................................... 43

TN-C-S (Terra-Neutral-Combined-Separated) .......................................................... 43

Operators of AC Electrified Traction Systems in the UK ........................................... 46

DC Electrified Traction Systems in the UK................................................................ 46

Appendix D Railway PME Application Form ..................................................................47

Broken Neutral .......................................................................................................... 48

Unbalanced Loads .................................................................................................... 48

UK Power Networks 2012 All rights reserved

Customer Installation Earthing Design

Document Number: EDS 06-0017